Defending champ Oriental Charm, in pole position, leads the charge in 129th Durban July
Jockey Richard Fourie seeks his fourth July trophy, having previously won twice with Justin Snaith’s charges such as Legislate (2014) and Do It Again (2019). | Chase Liebenberg/Cape Racing
Image: Picture credit: Cape Racing, Chase Liebenberg
Defending champion Oriental Charm will lead the charge from the coveted pole position gate for the 129th running of the Hollywoodbets Gr1 Durban July, boasting a purse of R5 million.
The premier event on South Africa's horse racing calendar is on Saturday at Hollywoodbets Greyville, the race's illustrious home. This year’s Durban July promises a vibrant celebration themed “Marvels of Mzansi,” seamlessly merging cultural festivities with the thrill of racing.
As always, the event anticipates not just fierce competition but also a showcase of South African culture and fashion, drawing crowds eager to indulge in the spectacle.
Oriental Charm is aiming to repeat last year’s success under the guidance of young trainer James Crawford. Crawford, who will be saddling his first runners in the Durban July for his own account, is excited about the opportunity and carries immense weight into the race, alongside two strong local contenders, See It Again and Gladatorian, each with hopes of a home victory.
Eight On Eighteen’s participation has generated buzz, with debates swirling around whether the young racer would face the formidable Durban July or take the 'more secure' route via the Gr1 Champions Cup later in the season.
Sporting a competitive draw from gate 11, Eight On Eighteen aims to impress not only his owners—Nic Jonsson, a previous winner, and businessman Johann Rupert, who is making his ambitions in horse racing known—but the wider horse racing community.
Should he win, Eight On Eighteen has the potential to break historical odds set by the legendary Sea Cottage in 1967.
With a draw at gate 11 for Eight On Eighteen, the pressure is on, but Fourie’s experience may well see him navigate through the pressures that come with such esteemed competition. Fourie’s previous wins, all for Snaith, add a layer of exciting history to the upcoming race.
On the other end, former dual SA champion jockey Warren Kennedy returns to ride the horse Confederate, having yet to clinch a Durban July title since his debut in 2004. Meanwhile, the legendary trainer Mike de Kock, aiming for his sixth victory, prepares Immediate Edge, who arrives after a stellar win in the Gr3 Jubilee Stakes.
Candice Bass-Robinson, celebrated for her historic win with Marinaresco in 2017, also has a contender this year, Rainbow Lorikeet, remarkably the only filly in the running. With a competitive draw of 7, she comes with a history that intertwines beautifully with Bass-Robinson’s career. Owned by the Yuppie Syndicate, Rainbow Lorikeet adds yet another layer of narrative to the rich tapestry of this year's race.
As the date approaches, fans and participants alike prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable event—a celebration of sport, culture, and community pride, encapsulated on the hallowed turf of Hollywoodbets Greyville.